Pakistan coach Hesson says team must close gap with India in T20 cricket

Pakistan’s men’s field hockey team could meet arch‑rival India in the knockout phase of the Asian Games after both sides advanced from the group stage. The draw, released on Tuesday, places Pakistan in Group B alongside South Korea and Malaysia, while India tops Group A with Japan and Bangladesh. A win in the upcoming quarter‑final would set up a high‑profile clash between the two South Asian powers, a fixture that traditionally draws large crowds and significant media attention.

India enter the tournament as the reigning world champions, having secured the gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games and retaining the title from the 2022 World Cup. Pakistan, aiming to improve on its previous Asian Games performances, will look to leverage its recent domestic league form to challenge the Indian side. The potential encounter, scheduled for later in the week, is expected to be a decisive moment in the competition, with both teams seeking to solidify their standing in Asian field hockey.